Kindle Scout Tour with Stevie Turner #RRBC

October 4, 2015October 4, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 22 Comments

I NEED YOUR VOTE!!!

This third blog on Stevie’s Kindle Scout tour focuses on Chapter 2 of ‘The Donor’.

Previously a Kindle Scout campaign was only open to authors in the U.S. Now, however, it is open to writers internationally. Stevie Turner took advantage of this and submitted her 53,500-word manuscript ‘The Donor’, which was accepted into the programme. Her campaign runs until October 11th, 2015, so there is still a week left if you would like to cast your vote by clicking on the link below.

https://kindlescout.amazon.com/p/39QH2DL8AQE7R

Also, Stevie is giving away a boatload of prizes to visitors on her tour. Here is the Rafflecopter link http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4af5be7f26/

For those unfamiliar with Kindle Scout, the rules are as follows:

Kindle Scout is reader-powered publishing for new, never-before-published books. It’s a place where readers help decide if a book gets published. Selected books will be published by Kindle Press and receive 5-year renewable terms, a $1,500 advance, 50% eBook royalty rate, easy rights reversions and featured Amazon marketing.

Every book has 30 days to earn your nomination. Authors are submitting new books all the time so check back often. When you discover a book that you think is great, nominate it and the book will be added to Your Nominations panel. Keep up to three books nominated at a time, and update your nominations whenever you want.

When a book’s 30-day campaign ends while in Your Nominations panel, your nomination is tallied and removed from your panel – freeing up that nomination for another book. You will receive an email to let you know whether your book has been selected for publication. As a thank you from us and the authors you support, you will receive an early, free copy of all the Kindle Scout books you nominated that are published. Continue to champion the books and authors you helped bring to life by leaving reviews and sharing with friends.

Following on from the previous blog, here is a short synopsis and Chapter 2 of ‘The Donor’, a Women’s Fiction novel.

SYNOPSIS

When you know you have met the love of your life, the last thing you expect is for your sister to lure him away. Clare Ronson is faced with this scenario when her sister Isabel marries singer and guitarist Ross Tyler. To compound Clare’s jealousy and bitterness, Ross hits the big time and becomes a wealthy tax exile, relocating to France with his family. Clare cannot bring herself to speak to Isabel or Ross for the next 30 years. However, when tragedy occurs in 2002 causing Ross to arrive back in England at Clare’s doorstep, Clare must try to put the past behind her for her sister’s sake.

CHAPTER 2

ROSS

As stoned as I am that day in the chaos of Desolation Hill I can see her standing out from the rest, with that ethereal, new-born fawn fragility that always seems to appeal to a man’s protective instinct. I watch her as wounded, she collapses to the ground, oblivious to her surroundings. I want to gather her up in my arms there and then and never let her go.

I have to make sure I’m not treading on anybody’s toes; you know what I mean, don’t you? Has another bloke already laid claim? I look about, but she seems to be on her own. I’m on my way back to Ryde; the festival hasn’t really lived up to my expectations, but when I find Clare I know the whole experience of living in shit for three days has been well worth it.

She isn’t used to weed, that’s obvious. She seems unsullied; shiny as a new pin. I wonder if she’s experienced in the ways of the world so to speak, but for now that will have to wait. I assume the latter, as she looks only about 18 or 19 and is still rather shy. I’ll have to tread carefully in that department; when I’d been that age I’d already put it about quite a bit, but I don’t think it’s the same for girls, although thankfully more of them are on the pill in these enlightened days.

I want to see her again. She sleeps most of the way to Ryde with her head on my shoulder. The driver is a fucking bore; all he talks about is top-dressing his fields with lime before the next wheat crops go in. I want him to shut up so that I can concentrate on holding Clare, but have to pretend to listen. I don’t really give a shit about soil testing, pH levels and screened lime, but I learn all about it anyway and hey, who knows, it might even come in handy one day.

She wakes up as we drive down Argyll Street. She seems a bit embarrassed to have been asleep so long, and sits up apologetically. I give her shoulder a quick squeeze before letting her go.

“We’re nearly at Ryde seafront.”

“Oh God; sorry to have conked out like that.”

She gives me a beautiful smile. Even the old farmer seems taken with her and keeps glancing her way when he really needs to be looking at the road. Me, I am gutted that our journey is coming to an end. I don’t mind if the farmer drives us around and around the Island ad infinitum until we disappear up the van’s exhaust pipe just for the continued chance of holding her close for another few hours.

There is already a huge crowd of festival-goers at the hovercraft terminal when we climb out of the van, so I know there’s going to be a long wait. Clare is yawning and dazed, and slumps down on a nearby seat. I take her ticket, go into the terminal, queue up and book our seats on the 20:45 hovercraft. I am conscious of the fact that the ride back to Southsea only takes 10 minutes, and I know that if I do not look sharp she will soon be slipping through my fingers.

Some bastard is chatting her up when I get back to the seat. I take both of her hands in mine, pull her up, and guide her over to the sea wall where we can sit in relative privacy.

“We’ve got about an hour to wait. I’d buy you a cup of tea, but I don’t have any money.” I laugh.

“That’s okay.” She looks around. “I’m going to find a phone box and make a reverse charge call; I’ll ask my mum to get Dad to pick me up at Southsea. He doesn’t know where I’ve been, but I’ll talk him round.”

“I’ll come with you; there’s toilets along there.” I point towards the other side of the terminal. “There might even be a drinking fountain inside as well.”

The phone box is up near St. Thomas’ Street. She disappears inside and speaks animatedly to person or persons unknown. I stand alone on the pavement suddenly jealous of the family who are waiting for her on the other side, eager to take her back to the fold and away from me. Presently she comes out grinning and is seemingly wide awake.

“Mum said my dad will set off for the Southsea terminal in about half an hour. Do you need to phone anyone?”

“Nah; I can walk home from there.” I shake my head. “I’m okay.”

“It’s no trouble; I’ll get Dad to give you a lift.”

***

I don’t fancy the idea of meeting her father and having him look down on me when he sees the state of the outside of our house. In my experience, Dads, on the whole, do not take kindly to their daughters running around with the likes of me. The long hair puts them off for a start, and when they find out that not only do I sing and play guitar in a rock band, but I also attend Art College, it seems to drive the wedge in a bit further. I suppose they are on the lookout for a future bank manager son-in-law for their little princesses; unfortunately there I come up a bit short. The idea of spending the rest of my days in some back office poring over dusty ledgers appalls me to the point where I know I’d rather be dead than have to live that way.

It will be easy to sidle out of the lift. However, the next item on my agenda might prove to be rather trickier. As we walk back towards the toilets on the seafront, I screw up my courage and take her hand.

“How do you feel about us meeting up again after tonight? We don’t live that far apart. I sing in a band; you could come and watch if you like. We’ve got a gig next Friday at the Wig and Pen.”

There is a few seconds of silence while she digests the information, and then I feel her squeeze my hand:

“If I wake up in time; I think I’m going to sleep for a week.”

Yes! She wants to see me again! I try not to show too much enthusiasm, but actually I am over the moon.

“Great; my older brother Darryl is the drummer; then there’s Chaz, the bassist, and Andy plays lead. I’ll get Darryl to drive his van over and pick you up a couple of hours before. I’ve got a biro in my rucksack; hang on.” I swing the rucksack around to the front and take out a pen. “Write your address on my arm.”

“It’s all hairy.” She giggles.

I turn my arm over and she begins to write on the white underside of my forearm. The gentle fluttering strokes of the pen feel somehow strangely erotic, and it’s all I can do to stop myself ravishing her there and then on the pavement.

“It’ll be a great evening.” Regardless of my hard-on I pull her to me when she has finished writing. “I’m glad I’ve met you.”

“Me too.” She smiles shyly at me.

I kiss her opposite the Tourist Information Centre, and then once again by the sea wall before I disappear into the toilets to relieve both my bladder and also by now my somewhat embarrassing erection.

***

We don’t speak much on the hovercraft. The overall atmosphere is subdued, with glassy-eyed revellers swiftly coming to the conclusion that the festival is over and that the real world will be beckoning them in a few hours’ time. Clare rests her head on my shoulder and holds my hand as we bounce over the waves, waving to her father as we exit the hovercraft a few minutes’ later, who is already waiting for her up on the road. Bastard. It’s time to make myself scarce.

—————————————————————————————–

Stevie lives in the East of England with her husband Sam, and previously worked as a medical secretary. She is now a full-time writer. She can be contacted on the following social media:

Twitter @StevieTurner6

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stevie-Turner-432183066899400/timeline/

Website: http://www.stevie-turner-author.co.uk/

WordPress blog: https://steviet3.wordpress.com/

Thank you for supporting Stevie’s campaign. Just like the wheels on a car, 4WillsPublishing keeps you moving forward!

https://4willspublishing.wordpress.com/

Cover design by Y Correa at All Authors Graphic Design.

#RRBC Back-To-School Book and Blog Block Party – Interview with John J. Cannon

September 15, 2015September 14, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 122 Comments

Welcome to Fiction Favorites! Today, I am thrilled to be participating in Rave Reviews Book Club’s Back-to-School Book and Blog Block Party from Port Aransas, Texas USA You can visit the entire tour and locations by clicking HERE.

In addition to learning a bit more about me and my book My GRL while you’re visiting, I hope you will leave a comment. If you do, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance at a ten-dollar Amazon Gift Card.

All you have to do for a chance to win is leave a comment. There will be a drawing, and the winner will be selected at the end of the day on September 15th, and announced on September 16th! For more prize opportunities visit the RRBC website.

Interview with John J. Cannon

Today I am pleased to welcome John J. Cannon to Fiction Favorites. For those of you who are unfamiliar with John let me give you a brief introduction.

John is a litigation attorney who lives in San Francisco. He has taken a leave of absence from the law firm to pursue his dream of becoming a charter boat captain. John currently resides in Port Aransas and is the protagonist in the thriller titled My GRL.

FF: Welcome John to Fiction Favorites

John: Thank you. It is so nice to be here. I’m pleased to be with you.

FF: Let’s dive right into the questions. I know you want to become a charter boat captain but I have to ask why you would give up a successful career in law?

John: I have been practicing for twelve years without a vacation. Honestly, I need a change of pace. In addition, I’m not giving up the law I’m just taking a leave of absence.

FF: Okay glad you cleared that up. We understand your boss is not very happy with you asking for a leave of absence.

John: Yeah, he has expressed a little disappointment but the fact remains it is corporate policy and I have qualified for the leave. I think he is worried about the revenue I won’t be brining into the firm.

FF: So he granted you the time off?

John: To be clear he granted me six months off. I asked for a year.

FF: My goodness sounds like trouble back at the ranch.

John: No. There’s no trouble. I simply have to request another six months when the time is done.

FF: What if he says no?

John: He won’t.

FF: I understand you bought a boat.

John: I sure did it’s a beauty. It is a sixty-five foot Hatteras Sport Fisherman. I named her My GRL.

FF: That must be some boat to navigate.

John: I took some lessons in how to handle her. She’s like an old friend.

FF: How soon will it be before you become a licensed captain?

John: I have about two months in and it takes a year so about ten more months.

FF: So you aren’t making any money yet?

John: Money is not the reason, but you’re correct.

FF: So tell us about the woman who sold you the boat.

John: Gerry’s her name. She was killed by some people who wanted to make a point.

FF: Yes Gerry. I remember you were found unconscious next to her body.

John: Yeah I was.

FF: Did the police think you did it?

John: I think they thought of me as a person of interest rather than a suspect. I had no gunshot residue on me or any other evidence that I was the perpetrator.

FF: Did they find out who did it?

John: There’s not a suspect. Gerry was killed by a professional who is still free so far. We do know who hired the hit, though.

FF: You say we like you were working with the police.

John: Well I did give a little advice and was eventually involved in the case.

FF: So who hired the hit?

John: I don’t have enough evidence to say publicly. I’ve a suspicion but would rather keep it to myself.

FF: You mentioned Gerry was killed to make a point. What was the point?

John: I think she was being punished for talking too much about certain people.

FF: Some that you don’t want to identify.

John: Yes, that’s correct. I wish I had the evidence but I don’t.

FF: Are you in any danger by talking to us in this interview?

John: I don’t see how. I haven’t said anything the police don’t know.

FF: Well that’s good.

John: I would like to say to those people who shot an innocent person, Gerry, that they’ll not get away with it and someday they’ll pay.

FF: Are you married?

John: No I’m not. As I said, I have been working a lot and no real-time for anything else. I suppose I could say my boat is my relationship right now. I guess that’s why I named her My GRL.

FF: You’ve been described as an ordinary guy caught up in unusual circumstances. How do you like that description?

John: Who says that?

FF: Reviewers

John: On one hand I’m flattered since it appears they know my personality. On the contrary, I would like to be seen as a hero. At least one time. Of course, it’s not my choice I’m more of less predestined to be what ever I turn out to be.

FF: Once you get your captain’s license will you keep chartering or go back to the law firm.

John: I really think that is a hard question to answer. Do you know what I mean when I say fourth wall?

FF: Well yeah it’s a term used to describe the fine line between fiction and reality. It’s a term from the theatre. A stage has three walls and on the other side of the fourth is where the audience is.

John: So when I say break the fourth wall you know it is a blurring of fiction and reality.

FF: Yes that’s correct.

John: Okay to answer your question about whether I’ll go back to the law firm you will have to ask the guy who authored My GRL if he has a story line that includes returning to the law firm. You could also ask if I’m going to find love and happiness. I would like to know myself.

FF: I do know him so next time we chat I’ll ask.

John: I appreciate that. I’m not sure he will take suggestions for his precious plot. In the meantime, I’ll keep an eye on those responsible for Gerry’s murder.

FF: John this was an interesting interview if somewhat different. We’re so glad you could spend time with us. Please come again.

John: Yes, it was a pleasure for me as well. Who’s the us you’re talking about?

FF: All of us here at Fiction Favorites including our boss John W. Howell.

#RRBC Spotlight Author Tour – Larry Hyatt

August 25, 2015August 24, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 28 Comments

I am pleased to have Larry Hyatt visit Fiction Favorites. Larry is the Spotlight Author for Rave Reviews Book Club. Go here to see the rest of his schedule

Author Bio:

Larry Hyatt has written radio comedy, sketch comedy and plays, produced television and radio, worked as a creative director for an arts and entertainment magazine, and published numerous humorous articles and essays. Originally from New Orleans he’s a graduate of the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts and attended Loyola University’s School of Music as a vocalist, went into radio broadcasting, has been a nightclub in house entertainer (Where he did theatre in a bar), produced and hosted television shows for LCN-TV, and started an entertainment magazine called the “The Tri-Parish Navi-Gator,” featuring theatre, music, dining and the arts in South Louisiana. He hosts “Larry Hyatt is the Morning” on C-96.7 KCIL Radio in Houma, La.

Book Blurb:
How to Reach for the American Dream… (And not get it), is the fictional, comedic account of the life of an entertainer who from childhood had what it took to “make it.” You’ll laugh, cry, and cheer him on as he struggles to achieve what only a select few can through his television kid show debut, glee clubs, remedial college studies, gaining weight as a “starving” artist, dating women out of his league, nightclub entertainer, and romps through radio, television, and publishing.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/How-Reach-American-Dream-Not-ebook/dp/B00FSKCGTU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1439568159&sr=8-1&keywords=larry+hyatt

Find Larry Online!

Twitter: @hyhattlarry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/larry.hyatt.967
Website: www.hyhatt.blogspot.com

If you are lucky enough to be chosen as a “SPOTLIGHT” AUTHOR, here is what you and your book will receive:

1) A one-week long blog tour on several blogs, set up by Rave Reviews Book Club;

2) A press release that you can submit to your local hometown newspapers & radio (if you so choose);

3) A PDF flyer that you can print and post in local businesses and bookstores promoting your status as a “SPOTLIGHT” AUTHOR of Rave Reviews Book Club;

4) A “WHO’S ON THE SHELF” Interview hosted by our very own President, Nonnie Jules right here on the Rave Reviews Bookshelf! These are so much FUN and heavily promoted!

5) A special “LIVE” BlogTalk Radio Interview/RAVE WAVES/Bring On The Spotlight with Author and Host, John Fioravanti!

6) Tweets and RTs promoting you and your book heavily during your “SPOTLIGHT” week from the RAVE REVIEWS BOARD MEMBERS, the RAVE REVIEWS Tweet Support Team and other club members, as well as Facebook blasts on club member walls; Pinterest and Instagram posts, etc;

7) A “SPOTLIGHT” on our site, with your photo, book cover, blurb and buy links, directing and encouraging the masses to purchase/read and post reviews of your book;

8) After your “SPOTLIGHT” week is over, you will get a listing on our Past “SPOTLIGHT” Authors page IF you are in good standing with the club.

Now, I know you’re wondering how you can become one of our “SPOTLIGHT” AUTHORS. Well, have you joined yet? Membership in our book club is the only way to the awesome title of “SPOTLIGHT” AUTHOR!!!

“You Can’t Buy This Kind of Support!”

Tuesday – Anythings Possible #RRBC Spotlight Author Dr. Tara Fairfield

June 9, 2015June 5, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 27 Comments

I am very pleased to welcome Dr. Tara Fairfield to Fiction Favorites. Among her many accomplishments, she has been chosen as the Rave Reviews Book Club Spotlight Author for this week. I am pleased to be one of her stops on the Spotlight Author Tour. You can click here to see and visit the rest of the stops. Tera, the site is yours.

Thanks, John.

Why Write Christian Fantasy?

When I started writing Christian fantasy, I didn’t realize I’d stepped into a mine field of controversy among Christians. Since then, I’ve read articles both supporting and condemning the genre. I decided to come out with my own position on the topic and defend my fellow authors. First and foremost I want to say that however you feel about this subject, what is most important is where you stand in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I love my Savior and know the gifts he has given me, including creative writing, are to be used to glorify Him and His truths.

The other disclaimer I am putting out there is I am only speaking about works in this article written by Christian authors seeking to stay consistent with the principles and message of the bible, which, in my humble opinion, is what defines a “Christian” fantasy author.

Which begs the question… what is Christian fantasy? I believe the only works that truly can be considered Christian fantasy are those which stay consistent with biblical values and teaching.

Storytelling is an age-old tradition in almost every culture and often used to illustrate morals and values in a meaningful way, to be passed on through generations. Everyone learns differently. For myself, if I watch a movie, then read the book; I pick up something different, learn something I missed before. Novels reach youth in a way listening to a sermon or teaching won’t.

Like it or not, our youth today are inundated with negative messages through books, television, movies, radio and peers. Our enemy has captured their attention and glutted the market with witchcraft, demons, vampires and the like. I say, take back the genre! How amazing would it be to see a story, built around biblical morals to become the next blockbuster.

I believe it is possible to weave stories that spark the imagination and also spread a message containing morals and values consistent with biblical teachings. Many of my favorite Christian fantasy books are allegories of Christs’ love. These stories bring me closer to Christ, provide an illustration of how He impacts lives. Now I am NOT saying fantasy stories should replace the study of the Bible or other non-fiction devotionals. I am just saying; this genre might be read by those who would not otherwise get the message or who are searching for entertainment consistent with their beliefs.

If your child is raised in a Christian home and you believe you can keep him or her from the world, great. But, aren’t we called to reach non-believers, to speak to those who are lost? What better way than through story? God can use any form of communication, and I know he is using novels to reach into the lives of lost teens and remind them there is a different way. There is only one savior, but he can use any method to speak to His children.

Lastly, I hope believers will not use this controversy to come against one another in conflict. We are to love each other, support each other, and ultimately put our trust and faith in Christ.

Author Bio:

Dr. Fairfield is a licensed psychologist with her doctorate from Northern Arizona University. With twenty-five years of professional experience and after raising three children, Tara finally realized her dream of writing a novel.

When Tara’s not writing, you’ll find her playing on the ocean in her kayak or just hanging out with her family in the Pacific Northwest.

MAKAI QUEEN

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Makai-Queen-Tara-Fairfield-ebook/dp/B00B7PM3HA/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1432955068

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/makai-queen-tara-fairfield/1110606035?ean=9781937756703

MAKAI KING

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Makai-King-Book-2-ebook/dp/B00N7407W2/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1432943117

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/makai-king-tara-fairfield/1120256263?ean=9781939989123

WHEN MY LION CALLS

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/When-Lion-Calls-River-Truth-ebook/dp/B00T7SJN4A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432954950&sr=8-1&keywords=When+My+Lion+calls

Find Tara online:
Twitter: @makaiqueen

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tara-Fairfield/293728984155377

Website: http://tarafairfield.com/index.html

The Heart of Teaching Tour with #RRBC’s John Fioravanti

May 8, 2015May 4, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 32 Comments

A special guest on Fiction Favorites is Rave Reviews Book Club board member and Membership Director John Fioravanti. This is a stop on his The Heart of Teaching Tour. John Fiction Favorites is yours.

Thanks, John I’m grateful that you would be my host of this sixth post of THE HEART OF TEACHING TOUR, and to Nonnie Jules of 4WillsPublishing who arranged it all! The full lineup for this tour can be found @ http://wp.me/P43s9i-2g

“It would take me several more years to learn that the most valuable thing I could offer students who confided in me was a willingness to listen and caring support.”

Excerpt from John Fioravanti: A Personal Journey To The Heart of Teaching.

In a previous post, I talked about the fact that I had felt the desire to help others as far back as I can remember. It became a major motive when I decided, as a high school student, that I wanted to teach in a high school one day. I did not have an easy time of it, emotionally, during my teen years, so I readily identified with troubled teens and hoped I might be of some help to them. Unfortunately, in this respect, things didn’t turn out the way I had anticipated.

The problem wasn’t with the students; it was with me. As I developed rapport with my classes and students felt comfortable in my classroom, I found that sometimes a student would seek me out in my classroom at noon or before school in the morning. Often they shared friend problems or family issues, and in my enthusiasm to be helpful, I would try to fix their world. Even now, as I type this, I’m shaking my head in disbelief. I honestly believed that these students wanted my advice, to tell them what they should do to solve whatever problem they were experiencing. How intellectually arrogant is that? My heart was in the right place, but my head certainly wasn’t!

The truth of my folly became apparent one day when our Vice Principal came to my door. At this time I was the Student Activities Council teacher advisor, and had been for a couple of years. Once I made it into the corridor, he asked me to meet with some distraught former students in his office. He said he would take over my class and I was to stay with our visitors for as long as necessary. Wow! What was this all about? Several possibilities crossed my mind as I walked the short distance to his office. I wasn’t ready for what greeted me when I arrived.

Stepping inside that office, I was swarmed by at least a half-dozen sobbing grade 11 kids who had been my Student Council seniors the year before. I hugged them all, two at a time, before we sat down together. I didn’t know that one of their friends had been killed in a car crash the day before. I knew the boy, but not very well. The sudden revelation of this tragic news, combined with their distress, served to put me into a slight state of shock. My mind raced, What can I say to these kids? How can I make them feel better? How can I fix this? It suddenly dawned on me, that there would be no “fixing” this!

So I sat quietly and listened intently to their expressions of grief. I did not admonish them when they railed against fate for their tragic loss. I nodded in silence as they wept openly – as if to tell them that their tears are good. I honestly didn’t know what else to do! There was a war going on inside between my desire to fix the situation and my natural instinct to just sit still and let them pour out their grief. After about 45 minutes (seemed like hours), the Council President from the previous year stood, thanked me for “being here for us”, and led the rest of the group out. There were more hugs on their way out the door.

“Thank you, sir, for being here for us.” I fixed nothing, but that is not my role. This tragedy, and these grief-stricken teens, gave me one of the most valuable lessons in my career. For this, I will always be truly grateful!

Author Bio:

John Fioravanti is a retired secondary school educator who completed his thirty-five-year career in the classroom in June, 2008.

Throughout his career, John focused on developing research, analysis, and essay writing skills in his History Classroom. This led to the publication of his first non-fiction work for student use, Getting It Right in History Class. A Personal Journey to the Heart of Teaching is his second non-fiction work; it attempts to crystallize the struggles, accomplishments, and setbacks experienced in more than three decades of effort to achieve excellence in his chosen field.

John’s first work of fiction is Passion & Struggle, Book One of The Genesis Saga, and is set within Kenneth Tam’s Equations universe (Iceberg Publishing). He claims that, after two non-fiction books, he’s having the time of his life bringing new stories and characters to life!

At present, John lives in Waterloo, Ontario with Anne, his bride of forty-one years. They have three children and three grandchildren. In December of 2013, John and Anne founded Fiora Books for the express purpose of publishing John’s books.

Contacts:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fiora-Books/516763875088924?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FioraBooks

Website: https://fiorabooks.com

Book Purchase Links:

Amazon USA: http://dld.bz/dCm6v

Amazon Canada: http://dld.bz/dCm64

Amazon UK : http://dld.bz/dCm6P

Amazon Australia: http://dld.bz/dCmBB

Chapters/Indigo Canada: http://dld.bz/dCp5A

Barnes & Noble: http://dld.bz/dCp5E

“This tour sponsored by 4WillsPublishing.wordpress.com.”

Interview of Moi on #RRBC’s Blogtalk Radio Today at 12:00 CDT.

May 2, 2015May 1, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 16 Comments

Just a quick post to let you know if you need some company with lunch today I will be interviewed by the gracious Bethany Turner on her show Behind the Pen on Rave Reviews Book Club Blogtalk Radio.

You can listen in by clicking on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ravereviewsbookclub.

I will try to avoid cringe-worthy statements but won’t guarantee it. Bethany will have control and we will talk all things authorly. (Is that a word?)

Thanks.

Special Guest – #RRBC President Nonnie Jules on her Celebrating Poetry as Love Tour

April 21, 2015April 20, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 38 Comments

Please welcome Nonnie Jules on her Celebrating Poetry as Love Tour stop with me today. As you know, I am a member of Rave Reviews Book Club and so glad to be able to participate in spreading the word about Nonnie’s new co-authored book. Nonnie is a wonderful supporter of indie authors and an excellent leader of the over five hundred member Rave Reviews Book Club organization. Nonnie, Fiction Favorites is yours.

Thank you all for allowing me to celebrate INTERNATIONAL POETRY MONTH with you by sharing excerpts from my first co-authored poetry book, “IF ONLY THERE WAS MUSIC…” The Poetry of Forbidden Love. Here is a bit of the book’s introduction below:

“Ever read poetry that was so soothing, so mellow, and just so perfectly sweet, you felt it should have been a love song? “IF ONLY THERE WAS MUSIC…” is just that kind of poetry…but it’s also poetry written about forbidden love.

Back in the summer of 2014, I was approached by an up-and-coming author by the name of Giani Jordan. Giani said that he had been following my writing for over a year and was extremely impressed. He was reaching out to me because he wanted to collaborate on a poetry book. Well, since I didn’t know Giani and wouldn’t attach my name or my writing with just anyone, I asked if he would send me a few samples of his work, and he did. I was blown away by the intensity and the depth of this man’s writing, and wanted to know more about this person he clearly was in love with and was writing so fervently about.”

In summation, Giani was in love with a woman {Christine}, who belonged to another, and to make this situation even more complicated, he, himself was also involved in a relationship.

The “snippet” of poetry which you are about to read below, is {Christine’s} response to Giani’s apology for his temper, which just might have cost them their love. This is also a treat for today’s host as this piece has not yet been published! You guys are so lucky! Take a peek:

“BROKEN”

There are no words to take away the pain

Of your hateful words, slung yet again

Your venomous tongue, your vile spew

Has removed my heart, so far away from you.

Last night I willed them, but no tears would come

I told myself, “This time I’m done!”

I wanted to cry, I missed you so

But realized it just might, be time to let go.

I held your hand, in the palm of mine

I tried my damnedest to still the time.

Rewind the clock, to go back a day

So you could take, all my pain away.

I love you still and always will

But the road to getting back seems all uphill

I will not call, I won’t make one move

Because repairing us, is now up to you…

If you’d like to read similar delightful poetry, I invite you to pick up your own copy of “IF ONLY THERE WAS MUSIC…” The Poetry of Forbidden Love on Amazon. I’d also like to invite you to follow this tour in its entirety as each day, at each stop, you will find more and more of these love songs without music, and even more reasons to fall in love with your lover, and Poetry, again. If you aren’t in love when you start reading this book, you will go seeking a love afterwards.

Please visit my complete tour line-up HERE, and at each stop that you leave a comment (including this one), your name will be entered that number of times, into a random drawing for a $25 Amazon Gift Card!!!

Thanks to my awesome host for today and thanks for stopping by, dear Guests. I hope to see you every day throughout this amazing tour to help keep Poetry alive!!! Always remember, that Love IS Poetry…they’re truly one in/and the same.

Author Bio:

Nonnie Jules is a mom, a wife, an author and also President of Rave Reviews Book Club. Her passion is children and her advocacy lies in supporting others and encouraging others to do the same. She has authored other fine books such as: “The Good Mommies’ Guide to Raising (Almost) Perfect Daughters,” “DAYDREAM’S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE’S FRIEND (A Novel),” and “Sugarcoatin’ Is For Candy & Pacifyin’ Is For Kids!”

Although Poetry should be celebrated every day of the year, the month of April has been set aside specifically to lift it up, and so this is why Nonnie has embarked on this blog tour to keep it alive and bring awareness to the fact that Poetry is a great medium for release and expressions of all kinds.

PURCHASE LINKS:

THE GOOD MOMMIES’ GUIDE TO RAISING (ALMOST) PERFECT DAUGHTERS: www.amazon.com/dp/B00CP62O56

DAYDREAM’S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE’S FRIEND: www.amazon.com/dp/B00GLM2VVM

SUGARCOATIN’ IS FOR CANDY & PACIFYIN’ IS FOR KIDS: www.amazon.com/dp/B00IRIA014

CONTACT:

Twitter: @NonnieJules

Blogs:

www.BooksByNonnie.wordpress.com

www.Nonniewrites.wordpress.com

www.AskTheGoodMommy.wordpress.com

www.RaveReviewsByNonnieJules.wordpress.com

“This tour sponsored by 4WillsPublishing.wordpress.com.”

#Rave Reviews Book Club Recruitment Day.

March 26, 2015March 25, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 27 Comments

Today is Recruitment day for Rave Reviews Book Club. I can’t say enough good things about the club and can only hope if you would like to receive the kind of support I have received you will consider joining.

The club is made up of like-minded authors who believe it is in their best interests to help each other promote the books we have all worked so hard to bring to life. There are a number of ways this help is available:

In addition to having their books listed on the club website each member is eligible for the following:

Every week each member is given a tweet with their handle and a nice word – twice.

Each Tuesday the entire membership is invited to tweet a member who is the #PUSHTUESDAY honoree.

Each week a member is chosen as Member of the Week and receives tweets all week and a website listing.

Each month a member is chosen Member of the Month and is tweeted all month and listed on the website,

Each month three members are chosen as Book of the Month and for the entire month they are recognized and listed on the website. Members are encouraged to buy and review the Books of the Month so you can imagine how sales and reviews go up substantially

Twice a month a member is chosen as Spotlight Author and is feted with a Spotlight Tour that reaches thousands of readers through guest spots on popular members blogs. In addition, the Spotlight Author is interviewed by club President Nonnie Jules on her popular “Who’s on the Shelf” feature.

The #RRBC hashtag is available whenever an author member would like the rest of the membership to support a tweet. In addition there numerous contests drawings and ways an author can help others and get help in return. You also meet some terrific people.

All of this is available for only $25.00 per year.

If this sounds like a program, you could see beneficial to you go to the website and tell them John W. Howell sent you. Also, you can vote on the best blog in support of recruitment day. Go here and vote http://wp.me/P49Fi9-GG Thanks

#RRBC Selects My GRL as One of the Books of the Month

February 4, 2015February 4, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 25 Comments

I am very honored to be one of the three selections for Book of the Month by Rave Reviews Book Club. As most of you know, I am a member of the club and this is just one of the many benefits of belonging. The club currently has over six hundred members and any one of these fine authors could have their book picked for such an honor. In addition to the listing on the Club’s website which is HERE the book selected will be included in the Book Club Discussion which is an on-line interactive program taking place on February 24th. The location will be announced and I’ll give you an update when I know.

The three books honored are: